Attacking

Question
We have had our Pom for about 2 1/2 years-we have been the only owner.  She has become much more agressive over the past few months. Before we would have isolated incidents where someone startled her or reached for her suddenly and she would lunge at them growling and snapping (she has some really sharp teeth). We are now at the point where we cannot take her anywhere as we have been turned away from several groomers and vets in the area.  No one seems to have any suggestions other than stating "I have never seen anything like it".  She is not like this all the time, but has to be constantly guarded.  She sits next to me all day (as I work at home) and walks to various parts of the house and the yard. She greets and loves the kids when they get home and when "daddy' gets home. She will only let one person touch her at a time, and has recently started attacking me, if I am trying to get her out of a room or off of a bed. Otherwise, she is very well trained and listens very well. Its like something snaps in her head.  When she realizes it is my hand or toes in her mouth, she immediately releases. We have tried various disciplinary techniques, but it seems to be getting worse lately.  

Answer
This may be very hard for you to fix unless you are commited to it.  You have a young dog who has decided she is the alpha in your "pack" and you have given her that right :o).  You can fix this it will just take some consistancy and retraining.

http://members.tripod.com/billknell/moredogs/5ways.html

You have to be the calm assertive "pack leader" for her to follow.  She shouldn't be allowed to do or have anything without your permission.  Once she learns who is the boss of yur home then she will be a much better companion.

Here are some links that may be helpful to you-

http://www.healthy-dogs.net/biting.htm

http://www.dogaggressiontraining.com/dogbiting.html

Best of luck.
-Trish
PS-you could learn a lot from this guy-
http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/channel/dogwhisperer/